DAMAC's Hussain Sajwani to Speak on the Digital Skills Imperative at World Economic Forum in Davos

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Jan. 16, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --

"Innovation and rapid digitalization are creating a pressing need to address ICT skills gaps globally," says Sajwani

The Founder and Chairman of DAMAC Properties, Hussain Sajwani, will be speaking about the increasing demand for advanced digital skills on day one of the World Economic Forum (WEF), taking place on 23 - 26 January, in Davos, Switzerland.  

Sajwani's session participation brings into focus the Middle East's efforts in developing ICT skills among its young population, where Sajwani was the main supporter of the recently launched 'One Million Arab Coders' Initiative in October 2017. The initiative was conceived from the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, for the creation of an empowered, happier society through learning and skills development.

The 'Digital Skills Imperative' session will bring top decision makers and thinkers together to discuss the need for advancing digital skills as a priority, in response to rapid global digitalization and mass automation. The session aims to identify whether existing skill-building efforts can scale up to address the changing nature of the digital workforce.

"As the world moves towards the adoption of a digital economy, it is becoming increasingly dependent on the availability of a skilled workforce, where each nation's economic success and failure is dependent on its efforts in developing a talent pool of highly skilled workers to cope with this disruption," said Sajwani.

'One Million Coders' is a first-of-its-kind pan-Arab education initiative supported by the Hussain Sajwani - DAMAC Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the DAMAC Group and its Chairman. Launched in collaboration with Dubai Future Foundation, the initiative aims to create a pool of one million software coders to lead the Arab world into a digital era.

The 'Digital Skills Imperative' session at WEF aims to highlight some of the key industry trends driving demand for advanced skills, and raises a number of discussions around the topic including shifting mindsets on lifelong learning and inclusive opportunities, designing incentives for collective action and investment, and understanding the role of emerging technologies.

"The digital skills gap is a global dilemma, not just one for the emerging markets, as millions of jobs in software development already need to be filled right now. What happens when these jobs increase by 20, 30 or 40 percent in the near future? Where will the global community find a sustainable stream of talent to tap into? The global community needs more initiatives like 'One Million Coders' to empower their societies with the skills and technical expertise required for jobs of the future. This is a strategic imperative for the economic success of any nation, as the world enters the Fourth Industrial Revolution," Sajwani added.

Get more information at www.damacproperties.com 

DAMAC Properties has been at the forefront of the Middle East's luxury real estate market since 2002 - bringing luxury living experiences to residents from all over the world. Making its mark at the highest end of stylish living, DAMAC Properties has cemented its place as the leading luxury developer in the region, offering iconic design and the utmost quality. The company's footprint now extends across the Middle East with projects in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, Lebanon and the United Kingdom. 

As of 30th September 2017, DAMAC Properties has delivered over 19,900 homes. The company has a development portfolio of over 44,000 units at various stages of progress and planning, comprising more than 13,000 hotel rooms, serviced apartments and hotel villas, which will be managed by its hospitality arm, DAMAC Hotels & Resorts. With vision and momentum, DAMAC Properties is building the next generation of Middle East luxury living.

Visit us at www.damacproperties.com .  

Follow DAMAC Properties on Facebook, Twitter (@DAMACofficial) and YouTube.